Brewelist Advent Calendar – Stone Brewing Xocoveza Charred

You know the holidays are coming when Stone Brewing puts out Xocoveza, a beer that is inspired by Mexican hot chocolate and is a glorious blend of chocolate, chili and other flavors that culminate in a strong dark beer with a little boozy flavor.

Xocoveza Charred takes that flavor to another level – the base beer is aged in barrels for a period of time, which lends a really nice smoky flavor to the beer. It also mellows things out a little bit.

This one is kind of a specialty/luxury pick as it’s not easy to get. I got lucky and found a bottle at a local grocer. I’m not sure if Stone released some this year after aging it for two years, or if someone misplaced a case back in 2016 and recently found it. Either way, I’m happy for the find and my husband and I enjoyed it a lot.

No, I won’t tell you where because I need to get another bottle or two to share with friends. A normal Xocoveza is still a lovely seasonal experience and is readily available wherever Stone Brewing’s beers are sold.

Style: Mocha Stout
Color: Coal Black with Light Brown Bubbles
ABV: 9.6%
Availability: Limited (i.e. good luck finding it)

 

Brewelist Advent Calendar 2018 – Game of Thrones Inspired Whisky

HBO and scotch maker Diageo have teamed up to bring a slew of whiskies from Westeros to your mouth and they’re just in time for the Holiday Season. Game of Thrones-inspired whiskies will be assaulting you faster than member of the Night Watch with White Walker by Johnnie Walker. Continue reading “Brewelist Advent Calendar 2018 – Game of Thrones Inspired Whisky”

Brewelist Advent Calendar 2016 – Day 1 – Gifting Glassware

Welcome to day 1 of the Brewelist Advent Calendar. Over the next 25 days we’ll bring you some gift ideas, gadgets or seasonal brews to help you make it through the Holiday season.

Today, we discuss that thing that you seem to have a ton of in your cabinets or habitually break. Both apply in my household.

I’m talking glassware. Have a friend or family member who lives far far away and may never taste the simple pleasures that come with the beers from your favorite watering hole? Have someone locally that you need to buy for and know they are a HUGE fan of a local place, sports team or game franchise?

Well, there’s probably a glass for that. I’m serious.

Despite multiplying inexplicably in your home, they’re really inexpensive and easy to get. The drawback is that they can be a pain to package and ship, but not really if you’re diligent with bubble wrap or package filler (pro-tip, plastic grocery bags can work nicely here…if you happen to have a huge stock of those also). You can also DIY a set with whatever you want if you’re crafty enough.

This time of year you can also find yourself a relatively inexpensive gift set of various types of glassware to accommodate IPAs, Lagers, Pilsners or Stouts for the person on your list who is trying to get into glassware, or is really picky about what they drink theirs out of.

Added bonus? They don’t even have to drink beer out of them. These vessels don’t discriminate and will happily accept milk, juice, soda (or pop) or whatever liquid joy your heart desires.

I personally love receiving a thoughtfully selected pint glass or shot glass from the magical places my friends and family visit. I’m also known to pick one up as I travel to remember the awesome places I’ve been or the events that I don’t want to forget.

Almost EVERY brewery you visit will have some form of glass that you can get really cheaply. The places I’ve been typically have them for $5 or less, maybe a little more if they’re a fancy goblet or huge stein, but overall, so inexpensive you could easily use them for a Secret Santa or an extra special something to put homemade snacks, tiny gifts or a gift card to the place that you got them from (so they can get a growler of something to enjoy out of it!).

 

If you’re keen to get them something of the gaming persuasion, actual online stores can provide options, like the Bioware Shop, Gearbox Shop or Bethesda Store. ThinkGeek.com can also be a great source for these things if you need a lot of different stuff for a lot of different people. Also, Etsy.com can give you an even wider variety and the possibility to commission a custom piece, but may run you more for the artisan’s time and may have a much longer lead time.

Brewelist Advent Calendar Day 25: DuClaw Brewing Company Sweet Baby Jesus

Here we are, on the final day of the Brewelist Advent Calendar! It’s been a full twenty-five days of games, beer and sharing, which is what the season is all about.

The beer that inspired this entire project is about to be reviewed – Sweet Baby Jesus from DuClaw Brewing Company. So steal a few seconds, grab a cold one and read on.

Where to find it: Mid Atlantic Region Supermarkets, Beer Shops, Gas Stations, etc.

ABV: 6.2%

Style: Porter

Availability: Year-Round

Taste/Smell: The beer smells and tastes like dark chocolate. If you remember the dark chocolate Reese’s cups, that’s pretty much what it’s like. The beer is thick and dark and offers both flavors without being sweet at all. You may be left with some bitter notes but they do not detract from the overall flavor.

Rating (out of 10): 9/10

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from the Brewelist Crew!

Brewelist Advent Calendar Day 21: Kona Brewing Company Pipeline Porter

Beer: Pipeline Porter

Brewery Name/Location: Kona Brewing Company, Hawaii

ABV: 5.3%

Style: Porter

Where to find: Beers of The World, Wegmans

Taste/Smell: Rich Earth flavor, with a light coffee scent.

Thoughts: When my company sent me on a day trip to California I found a brewing company called Kona Brewing Company and had some of the most amazing beer I have ever had with Koko Brown. I hunted and hunted for it in Rochester with no luck before finding Kona’s Longboard Lager which was a good beer from this company. Viewing Kona’s selection this winter I was excited to find they brought a new beer to the Rochester area, the Pipeline Porter. This may be the best beer from Kona yet, made using coffee beans from Kona Coffee, which may be the best coffee bean out there. The coffee flavor is quite strong and earth, but really makes this beer a great porter from the Kona Brewing Company. One things for sure, Hawaii sure knows how to do drinks right, so take some time to grab a 6 pack and your longboard, and go ride the pipeline.

Rating (out of 10): 9/10

 

By: Jake Duell, @snakesbeard

Brewelist Advent Calendar Day 13: Journey

I have never used the term ‘existential puzzler’ to describe a game, but that’s just what Journey is. It’s an experience in gaming that I will never forget and I can’t talk enough about how amazing it is. I’ll give you the advice that was given to me when I went to play it: Turn off the lights,

Publisher: Thatgamecompany

Genre: Puzzler

Where to get it: Playstation Network

Platform: Playstation 3/4